If I didn’t know any better I’d say Alaska Airlines is doing their best to be the most hated airline in the country. The number of fees they’ve added and benefits they’ve eliminated in the past year have been shocking.
Just this week they announced that the 1,000 mile booking bonus for using the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Visa would be eliminated as of August 1, 2012.
The other major benefit of the Alaska Mileage Plan Visa has been the $99 companion certificate which could be used for any route and any fare. This was a fantastic benefit. From the east coast Alaska often had fares to Hawaii in paid first class for under $1,000, so for ~$1,000 you could fly two people to Hawaii in first class. I’ve often suggested that as a strategy for people looking to go to Hawaii in first class instead of redeeming miles.
Well, it appears as if the $99 companion certificate has been “enhanced,” and as of August 1, 2012, is only valid for coach travel.
I really have to wonder what Alaska Airlines is thinking lately, especially with this change. Why would you eliminate the two real benefits of your credit card at once?
But what’s kind of funny about all of this is that back in March the online credit card application was updated with the following verbiage regarding the companion certificate:
Receive an annual coach Companion Fare from $110 (USD) ($99 base fare plus taxes and fees, from $11 depending on your Alaska Airlines flight itinerary).†
After frequent flyers noticed this, Alaska quickly removed the word “coach” and claimed it was a “computer glitch.” Interesting computers they have, which randomly add the word “coach” to terms and conditions. It seems that in reality they had just added the verbiage a bit too early.
Alaska Airlines, there’s nothing “North of Expected” about you anymore.
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